musical chairs at 12,000 feet
“To the elders among you I, a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and sharer in the glory that is to be revealed, make this appeal.” —1 Peter 5:1
A chair is a symbol of authority. That’s why we call the head of a meeting the chairperson and why the Church has named this special day “The Chair of St. Peter.” Catholics believe Peter and his successors are called by the Spirit to chair the meeting of God’s people (Mt 16:18). We also believe that, if we do things God’s way, according to His order, we will see the glory and the power of God. If we listen to Peter’s successor, the Pope, and let him lead us, we will attack the gates of hell and the devil’s strongholds will not prevail against us (Mt 16:18).
When we are under authority through our obedience to God’s instrument, the Pope, we are in authority. Then whatever the Church shall “declare bound on earth shall be bound in heaven”; whatever the Church shall “declare loosed on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Mt 16:19).
It’s a matter of sitting in the right chair. For example, when the pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight attendants, and passengers are sitting in the right chairs, the airplane will fly effectively and safely. However, if everyone played musical chairs, the plane would crash. Let’s keep our seat belts fastened and stay in our chairs. Let’s joyfully submit to the authority of the Pope.
Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me parents, pastors, and popes. Thank You for sending leaders into my life. May I listen to You in them.
Promise: “When the chief Shepherd appears you will win for yourselves the unfading crown of glory.” —1 Pt 5:4
Praise: St. Peter demonstrated his leadership at Pentecost (Acts 2:14ff) and the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:7ff). Today, the Pope ensures unity as he leads from the Chair of St. Peter.
Reference: (For a related teaching on The Pope’s Vision of God’s Plan, order, listen to, or download our CD 50-3 or DVD 50 on our website.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.